For Faculty

OAA defines student agency as a student's ability to take ownership of their learning process. It's about empowering students to make choices, take initiative, and have a voice in their education. 

Key elements of student agency include:

• Choice: Students have options in how they learn and demonstrate their knowledge.
• Voice: Students can express their ideas, opinions, and needs. 
• Initiative: Students take responsibility for their learning and seek our opportunities for growth.
• Reflection: Students can evaluate their learning process and set goals. 

Student agency is not about relinquishing complete control of the classroom. Instead, it's about fostering a collaborative learning environment where teachers and students share power and decision-making.

1. Prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations

• Clearer communication: Students can clarify any confusion about assessment criteria or expectations.

• Personalized feedback: Students can receive feedback tailored to their specific needs and understanding.

• Reduced anxiety: Students feel more confident in their understanding and less anxious about assessment.

2. Increase students’ awareness of themselves as participants and partners in the learning process

• Empowerment: Students feel more invested in their learning and take ownership of their progress.

• Metacognition: Students develop a deeper understanding of their own learning strategies and strengths.

• Motivation: Students are more motivated to learn when they have a say in how they are assessed.

3. Refocus some of the assessment workload

• Efficiency: Students can take on some of the assessment tasks, freeing up teachers' time.

• Authentic learning: Students learn valuable skills like self-evaluation and peer feedback.

• Collaboration: Students develop collaborative skills and learn to work effectively in groups.

4. Enhance equitable learning opportunities

• Inclusive assessment: Students from all backgrounds can contribute to the assessment process and feel valued.

• Differentiation: Students can receive feedback that is tailored to their individual needs and learning styles.

• Accessibility: Students with disabilities can participate more fully in the assessment process.

5. Create a model that can be expanded to peer- and self-grading practices

• Transferable skills: Students can apply the skills they learn from student-involved assessment to other areas of their learning.

• Continuous improvement: Students can use peer and self-assessment to monitor their progress and set goals for improvement.

• Autonomy: Students become more independent learners and can take responsibility for their own learning.